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18 Austin Gems You Might Not Know About

Posted on December 30, 2025
Kelsey Bradshaw

Kelsey Bradshaw

Three paintings of Mickey Mouse as a skeleton.

This work, “Mickey Muerto [Dead Mickey]” by Artemio Rodríguez, is part of the Blanton’s new exhibit “In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships.” The exhibit will be celebrated on Feb. 28 during the museum’s “B Scene” event. (Kelsey Bradshaw/City Cast Austin)

But before we get to that, a disclaimer: The term “hidden gem” is a complicated one. One could argue that nothing is a hidden gem, or that hidden gems are just places that don’t get enough attention. We could go 'round and 'round about the term. So, it’s best to take this list with a grain of salt, OK?

Enjoy!

🍸 Hidden Bars

🍔 Hidden Restaurants

🖼️ Hidden Activities

Click here for how we came up with our list!

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